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expiationlogs2023-02-17 07:53 am
{Mini Event} Day of Devotion
This is an entirely opt-in very casual event that has nothing to do with overarching storyline and is just an additional introductory log, and a means for characters to meet. We hope you've all had a very happy Valentine's Day week however you've chosen to spend it!
SCARVES OF LOVE
The season of affection and love of all kinds falls upon Aldrip in the wake of their festivities for Those Who Were There. As part of the celebration, what's referred to as the 'Day of Devotion,' local merchants carry a variety of wares, but none so coveted as their multicoloured scarves available in a variety of prints, designs, and fabrics. Perhaps consider picking one up and giving it to someone who's important to you. No money? No problem! Whilst Aldrip doesn't exactly work on a layaway system or akin to, you'll find the mercantile business owners are quite open to trades and other means of bartering. Maybe they'll give out a scarf or two in agreement for running some errands...
Lucky recipients of these very fashionable scarves will find themselves suspiciously open to sharing positive, warm and fuzzy, or perhaps downright amorous feelings toward the person who gifted them the scarf to begin with, regardless of whether you've known them for years or even just a couple of weeks. But don't worry—the feelings are temporary! Once the Day of Devotion comes to a natural conclusion, your feelings will return to something like normalcy and you'll still wind up with a new fashion accessory. Of course, if you've always been amorous with that special someone, you likely won't notice any sort of change.
Take the opportunity to embrace the celebration, maybe embrace one another a little bit, too, and begin forming some potentially everlasting bonds with others.
BRING PROTECTION
Not everyone is choosing to celebrate the Day of Devotion in the same way. Due to the heightened popularity of the pretty scarves, some of Aldrip's jewellers have been bitten by the green bug of jealousy. In an attempt to compete with the sales of scarves, jewellers are advertising pendants, brooches, and other assorted charms that are meant to serve as warding and protective trinkets. What are they protecting one from? It's difficult to say and the merchants aren't inclined to give a straight answer. But whether you need protection from love, personal feelings, or perhaps something more physical, they've got you covered!
If you choose to give these amulets to others, recipients of them and their related will be compelled to share their true feelings with those around them in addition to the person who gave them the protective charms. This sounds like it could be a good thing, however, that means it covers the array of positive, negative, and every shade in between, without a filter in place. Consider these accessories a potential test of friendships, familial relationships, and more.
Like the scarves, this need and desire to be truthful with your feelings will be temporary, lasting until the Day of Devotion celebration is over. But at least you'll be protected. From something. Maybe. Probably. Or not!
FLOWERS FOR ALDRIP
By now, you may be well familiar with Aldrip's variety of fields that are filled with vegetables and fruits that grace the dinner tables of the town and local cuisine. During the Day of Devotion and weeks leading up to it, you'll find that they're clearing another field and preparing the soil. What for, you won't find out until the actual day of the celebration. Once it arrives, there's a collection of simple carts filled with flowering plants. Locals and newly-arrived alike are welcome to lend a hand in planting them along the neatly tilled rows.
You may find plants that resemble or are identical to plants from your home world. You may find plants that you've never seen in your life. They come in a variety of colours and are accompanied by a lightly pleasing scent that shouldn't be too overpowering, though may still disturb those with allergies.
All who help out with the planting, watering, and other tending, will be rewarded with a bouquet of flowers that can be passed onto others to show your appreciation and other forms of affection. You may even find yourself making a good and lasting impression on the locals by offering some assistance.
no subject
[He does sound like a curious sort, this bodyguard of hers. Shy, perhaps? 'Private' or 'subdued' might have suggested as much, but they don't always go hand-in-hand.]
Hard to imagine, given how many people are eager to be showered with such things, but I do trust you know him best. My partner is much the same— not easily given to frivolities, and not terribly fond of undue attention.
[Fran is a practical sort herself, much of the time.]
Gifts, however, are as much for the giver as the recipient, especially in situations where they're meant to say something. If you feel called to give him both, then I see no reason why you shouldn't.
no subject
Hmmmmm...! You sound like an expert with presents!
[She grins from ear-to-ear as she turns her attention onto Balthier more properly.]
Is that something you did a lot of back home? No, maybe not. I bet you've gotten a lot of presents, right? Admirers. Someone like you? Tonnes of admirers.
no subject
[Gifts imply attachments, and he's gone to great lengths to make sure he has few of those, or he did for quite some time. Events, of course, have changed him, despite anything he might say to the contrary, but there have been tokens from admirers, as well.]
Most admirers keep a certain distance, but there have been some. No doubt you've dealt with similar, given your skill with talking to people.
[She's certainly engaging enough. The sort of girl who makes knowing people her business, he might guess.]
no subject
Sure, he's a bit grumpy, but... Certainly not intimidating.
Her eyebrows lift curiously.]
Me? Oh. Hm... Maybe not as much as it seems? Or maybe I just haven't noticed? I don't think I've really had much in the way of admirers. One...? [Could she call Zack an admirer? It was obviously more than that.] I don't know. I've never really thought about it.
no subject
[Well, perhaps that isn't so surprising. She hardly seems like the type to be enamored with herself.]
Perhaps you simply haven't noticed, though there's something to be said for not putting too much importance on such things.
[Naturally, he couldn't say; he hardly knows her, and knows even less about her experiences prior to this place.]
Regardless— admirers or no, you've received your share of gifts over the years, yes?
no subject
[...Has she? Maybe from Elmyra. From Cloud? How many gifts has she really gotten? She's not kept track of that either, it seems, given the awe in her expression.]
That's a good question, too. I don't think I've gotten many? I don't keep count! I'm sure everyone around me has given me a lot! It's possible that I've been too quick to accept that, though, without realising it. When I get back home, I'll have to keep a closer eye on that.
[You know, after she gets out of a laboratory. If she ever does.]
no subject
[He quirks a brow upwards, curious.]
Interesting way of looking at it. Do you think such things truly need to be monitored?
[He folds his arms over his chest as he looks her over, as though she has unknowingly presented him with another piece for a puzzle that neither of them had realized he was putting together until this moment.]
no subject
[She doesn't seem to really understand what he's asking her. But maybe it's because she's confusing 'gift' for 'kindness' or 'support.' They all seem to hold hands with one another, so it's not entirely surprising that she might classify them all as something similar. Although if he's getting at a point where one specifically has given her something that's a gift in nature and has meant it in such a way, she doesn't think that's a terribly common practise with her.]
I don't think I've gotten a lot of gifts, is what I guess I'm saying. It's not like people just tell me they're going to and I take them. But it's also possible I just don't notice. I've never really thought about things like that very much. I like giving things to people, but I don't really ask for things in return, so it's a little strange when people turn that around on me.
no subject
Well, even if this friend of yours is similarly inexperienced when it comes to accepting gifts, I expect he'll be happy, regardless. Seeing as you like giving things to people, that's certain to show.
[That, he's sure, will matter more than the 'what.']
They do always say it's the thought that counts. I like things with a bit of sparkle to them, personally, but not everyone has my tastes.
no subject
When he speaks of the kinds of gifts he likes, she takes a moment to assess him from head-to-toe. Yes. He does look like the kind of guy who would have an appreciation for the finer things. A shame she doesn't really know much about them.]
Is that so? I'll keep that in mind!
[Because of course, eventually, he'll probably get something from her, too.]
we can have them fade out while shopping if you want to make room for the new stuff!
I'd ask 'what for,' but that seems rather silly at this point. Let's focus on the task at hand, hmm?
[Which is finding some trinket or such that she'll deem suitable to give to her bodyguard friend. He inclines his head towards the next stall before gesturing with one hand.]
Shall we take a look and see what else is on display? You'll find just the right thing somewhere around here, I'm sure of it.